So I took my dad's Springfield XDm .40 subcompact out to the range last weekend. He bought it and then decided his arthritis can't take the short .40 recoil too well so went back to a 9. He only put like 50 rounds through it. I grabbed a box of my factory loads and a plastic box of his .40s (which I thought were factory Winchesters) and took my spot in the lane. Popped off 3 mags worth with my ammo and didn't think there was much difference in recoil compared to my .40 Sig. Loaded the next mag with the rest of my ammo and then a few of his. pow-pow-pow through the end of the factory loads and then BLAMMO! Concussion about knocked me on my rear end. Pieces of brass/unburned powder peppered my forehead. I put the gun down on the bench and stepped back to gather myself. I looked at the gun and saw the slide was locked back and at first semi-concussed glance I thought I had a stovepipe that somehow detonated the round... But upon close examination it's obvious the back of the cartridge ruptured and blew out the chamber. Thank god I was wearing eye pro!!! My hand took a beating but no breaks or blood. (I was shooting lefty.) I'm also very thankful this happened in an enclosed pit otherwise my wife may have caught some of it in the lane next to me. I've seen cartridges rupture before but never out the rear like that. I checked the box of ammo and saw that dad has some rounds (I'm guessing reloads) of unknown origin in there mixed in with Winchester brass. There's no way to be sure but I'm guessing I hit a hot round. I wonder if the match grade barrel saved my hand from a complete rupture? Going to send the whole thing in to Springfield to see what/if any of it can be saved.
Wow, how many times did you count your fingers after that. Glad your ok Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Wow:-(. Not cool. Glad you're still intact. Now go flip someone off just because you can Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Glad you are ok. Had to many bad experiences with reloading gone wrong so if I get a firearm I usually dismantle any ammo I get and discard it. Too many people with lack of attention to details. It can happen with factory rounds but the chances are lower.
Yeah, I think w/previous admin and resulting ammo shortages; people who aren't really trained/experienced began to get into reloading a bit much. Hopefully factory loads keep filling the shelves.
Whoa....that could have been SO MUCH WORSE....glad it wasn't, and that you're still in possession of all your digits.
Thanks to all... And just for clarification; my dad did not reload these. I have no idea where they came from (assuming they are reloads.) I'm not even sure which round type it was since the base is gone. He doesn't remember as he's had them for years. He used to duty carry a .40 Beretta so he's got a bunch laying around.
Glad your in one piece. That must have been nerve rattling. Do a google search on .40's blowing up. Makes for some interesting reads. I personally like the .40, however the FBI did go back to the 9mm this past year, and I would be willing to bet other agencies will follow suit.
Thanks, I did... makes me re-think the reload theory. If just a bit of headspace can cause that it's definitely worth having a pro check it out.
I'll be honest,I don't usually wear eye protection when shooting but now??,might pick up a pair of quality glasses tomorrow.
I shoot thousands of rounds per year. I usually wear eye pro but not 100%. First time I've ever had anything like it or seen anything close. You can bet I'll never hit the range again w/o both eyes and ears.
